Data Privacy and Security

Grade 6 · Technology · Study Guide

Understand how to protect personal information and stay safe in the digital world.

Data privacy refers to your right to control who can access your personal information. Personal data includes your name, address, phone number, email, photos, and even your browsing history. Every time you use an app, website, or device, data about you is often collected and stored.

Data security means using tools and practices to protect that data from being stolen or misused. One key tool is a strong password — a good password is at least 12 characters long and mixes letters, numbers, and symbols. You should use a different password for each account and never share passwords with anyone except a trusted parent or guardian.

Encryption is a process that scrambles data so only authorized people can read it. When you see "https://" at the start of a website address, it means the site is using encryption to protect the data you send and receive.

Phishing is a common type of online scam where attackers pretend to be a trustworthy person or company to trick you into giving away personal information. Warning signs include unexpected emails asking for passwords, misspelled website addresses, and urgent language like "Act now or your account will be deleted."

Privacy settings on social media and apps let you control who can see your posts and personal details. Reviewing and tightening these settings is an important habit for staying safe online.

Key terms

personal data
Any information that can identify you as an individual, such as your name, location, or email address.
encryption
A method of converting data into a coded format so that only authorized users can read it.
phishing
A scam where attackers impersonate trusted sources to steal personal information like passwords.
password
A secret string of characters used to verify your identity and protect access to accounts.
privacy settings
Options within apps and websites that let you control who can see your information and activity.
two-factor authentication
A security method requiring two forms of verification (e.g., password plus a code sent to your phone) before granting access.

Flashcards

data privacy
The right to control who can collect, use, and share your personal information.
encryption
Scrambling data into a code so only authorized people can read it.
phishing
A deceptive attempt to steal personal information by pretending to be a trusted source.
https
A secure version of the web protocol that encrypts data between your browser and a website.
two-factor authentication
A login method requiring two proofs of identity, like a password and a one-time code.
privacy settings
Controls within apps and platforms that limit who can see your personal information.
malware
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
data breach
An incident where private or sensitive information is accessed or stolen without authorization.

Questions

  1. Which of the following is an example of personal data?

    1. A public library's address
    2. Your home address
    3. The weather forecast
    4. A company's stock price
    Show answer

    Answer: Your home address

    Your home address directly identifies where you live and is considered personal data. Public addresses, weather forecasts, and stock prices are not tied to a specific individual.

  2. Using the same password for multiple accounts is a good security practice.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Reusing passwords is dangerous. If one account is hacked, all accounts with the same password become vulnerable.

  3. A website that uses ______ in its address (https://) is encrypting the data you send and receive.

    Show answer

    Answer: https

    HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses encryption (TLS/SSL) to protect data in transit between your browser and the server.

  4. What is phishing?

    1. A way to speed up your internet connection
    2. A scam where attackers pretend to be trustworthy to steal your information
    3. A method for creating strong passwords
    4. A type of computer virus that deletes files
    Show answer

    Answer: A scam where attackers pretend to be trustworthy to steal your information

    Phishing is a social engineering attack where criminals impersonate trusted entities to trick victims into revealing passwords or other sensitive data.

  5. Two-factor authentication makes your accounts more secure.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they still can't access your account without the second factor.

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